About Chongwe River House
Chongwe River House is a four-bedroomed house overlooking the Chongwe River, a tributary of the great Zambezi ...
... River and the western boundary of the Lower Zambezi National Park. Booked out exclusively by only one party of travellers at a time, it was designed with originality, space and luxury in mind, and has created quite an impression since it opened in 2006.
Chongwe River House is certainly unusual in its design, but there’s no doubting that it is both luxurious and unique. The staff here aim to be flexible, and go out of their way to accommodate the individual interests and needs of each group. The house is perfectly suited to a group of friends or a family looking for exclusivity and flexibility.
Our view
Chongwe River House is certainly unusual in its design, but there’s no doubting that it is both luxurious and unique. The staff here aim to be flexible, and go out of their way to accommodate the individual interests and needs of each group. The house is perfectly suited to a group of friends or a family looking for exclusivity and flexibility.
Country manager: Zambia
Traveller reviews of Chongwe River House
8 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Expert Africa's gallery
When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the safaris. See our 101 pictures and 2 videos of Chongwe River House to get the candid view.
View gallerySafaris visiting Chongwe River House
Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you
Greater Bushbaby Safari
8 days • 2 locations • 1 country
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
The perfect safari for a family or group of friends during which to create everlasting memories. Visit Zambia’s two most productive wildlife parks staying in four-bedroom houses, designed in a unique and fun way.
Visiting Lower Zambezi, South Luangwa
US$10,660 - US$13,240 per person
Chongwe River House: Our full report
Chongwe River House is a four-bedroomed house overlooking the Chongwe River, a tributary of the great Zambezi ...
... River and the western boundary of the Lower Zambezi National Park. Booked out exclusively by only one party of travellers at a time, it was designed with originality, space and luxury in mind, and has created quite an impression since it opened in 2006.
It’s a short distance from Chongwe River Camp, but Chongwe River House is fully self-contained and staffed. The host and hostess, your guide, the chef and the housekeeping team will be on hand to help you tailor your days and set your own schedule: get up when you like, eat when it suits you – and enjoy the safari activities for as long, or as short, as you like. This flexibility is particularly well-suited to family safaris with children, but is also great for groups of friends who are travelling together.
The house itself has nary a straight line; indeed,if you can picture something out of the Flintstones, you could be close to imagining Chongwe River House. You walk straight into the large open-plan lounge, bar and dining area, which has a very organic, flowing feel. The sturdy dining table and bar have been beautifully carved out of wood, as have the coffee table and ‘couches’, which we’re told came from a single fallen winterthorn tree, while squashy cushions provide plenty of comfort.
There’s no wall to the front, so this area extends seamlessly to a wooden deck where you’ll find a reasonable-sized swimming pool and sunloungers. Down a grassy pathway, directly in front of the house, is the jetty, where guests start their water activities.
The bedrooms at Chongwe River House are enormous, and really quite grand, yet with lots of natural materials and wood used in their contruction, they have a real earthy feel. There are two bedrooms on the ground floor, and two upstairs. All are largely open to the front to make the most of the views, but at night the housekeepers erect a rope lattice over the open section of the ground-floor rooms.
Each room has a super king-size bed on a moulded, permanent base, although these can be made into side-by-side twins on request. Large walk-in mosquito nets are lowered over the beds in the evenings. Within the bedroom space is also a bathtub, similarly moulded into the frame of the house, and a couple of chairs and a small table can be positioned as you will, to take in the best views. All the rooms are en suite with twin handbasins carved out of wood, a flushing loo and ‘waterfall’ showers.
Guests at Chongwe River House have their own privately guided activities, allowing them to set their own schedule. Choose from walking safaris, canoe and boat trips, 4WD game safaris and night drives – all led by your own resident expert safari guide. Walking safaris are also accompanied by an armed game ranger. It’s important to note that, for safety reasons, children under the age of 12 are not allowed to participate in walking or canoe safaris, but the team at Chongwe will be more than delighted to help with arranging alternative activities for younger visitors.
If you're planning a family safari in Zambia, then in addition to Chongwe River House you might also consider other houses that have been designed with families in mind. In the South Luangwa National Park, Robin Pope Safaris run the Robin's House and the Luangwa Safari House – both of which work very well for families or small groups.
For something completely different, families can have the old stately home at Shiwa Ng'andu largely to themselves – and a whole range of activities from game drives and horseriding to farm visits and archaeology projects are possible there, too.
Another very separate entity, on the banks of the Zambezi near Livingstone, Tangala House is a lovely family home that can also be hired out for exclusive use – complete with toys, books, kitchen equipment and pretty well everything that you'd normally find in a family home. It is connected to the excellent nearby Tongabezi Lodge.
Geographics
- Location
- Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia
- Ideal length of stay
- Groups of friends or families often stay here for a week or even two. There’s plenty to do and having the place to yourselves means that you can really tailor each day to suit you. Note that it is often booked up far in advance, especially during school-holiday periods – so we recommend that you book as far in advance as you can.
- Directions
- A light aircraft flight of approximately 35 minutes from Lusaka takes guests to Royal airstrip. From there it is a 20-minute road transfer to camp.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Food quality
- Although we’ve visited Chongwe River House many times, we haven’t travelled as part of a family or a group, so we haven’t had a chance to sample the food. But if its sister camp, Chongwe River Camp, is anything to go by, then we would rate the food really highly.
Meals will generally follow the format of most safari camps, with a light breakfast being served before the morning activity, followed by brunch after you return from your morning’s adventure. Save space for afternoon tea and then dinner is served on return from the evening game drive.
However, because Chongwe River House is booked out solely by you, meals and mealtimes can be tailored to suit you. - Dining style
- Group Meals
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- None
- Drinks included
- Drinks are included, except for champagne and premium imported wines and spirits.
Special interests
- Family holidays
- The spectacular Chongwe River House was made for family safaris. Very stylish and totally original, it centres around a vast lounge-dining area, and a large outdoor deck and swimming pool. With four large en-suite bedrooms, it's one of Africa's best family safari camps.
- See ideas for Family holidays in Zambia
- Birdwatching
- You'll find good safari guides at Chongwe River House and a superb location. From the foothills of the escarpment in one direction, to the great Zambezi River in the other – you'll find quite a range of different environments, and some very prolific birdlife.
- See ideas for Birdwatching in Zambia
- Wildlife safaris
- Chongwe River House comes with a private expert safari guide who is fully qualified to lead walking safaris, boat trips and 4WD safaris. Hence you can expect a first-class wildlife safari experience in one of the best areas of the Lower Zambezi Valley.
- See ideas for Wildlife safaris in Zambia
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children over the age of 7 years are warmly welcomed at Chongwe River House.
- Property’s age restrictions
- There is a minimum age of 7 years, although younger children may be accepted by prior arrangement. However, walking and canoeing activities are only possible for children aged 12 and above. The decision on whether youngsters aged between 12 and 16 may join walking or canoeing activities will always be at the discretion of your guide and hosts.
- Special activities & services
- The house is always booked exclusively for one group of friends or family at a time, so activities and mealtimes are totally flexible. The chef will be happy to take into account the likes and dislikes of children when it comes to preparing their meals. There are board games in the lounge and if children prefer to stay at the house rather than go out on an activity, they could play games with the hostess, help out in the kitchen or even visit the main camp for a change of scenery.
- Equipment
- No special equipment is provided.
- Generally recommended for children
- We think that the flexibility of the daily schedule make Chongwe River House ideal for children and their parents.
- Notes
- Chongwe River House is unfenced and wildlife can wander by at any time. The pool is also unfenced and the camp is open to the river (complete with crocodiles and hippos). The rooms on the upper floor are open to the front and there are no railings, so children are not allowed to play upstairs. Children must be under the supervision of their parents at all times.
Communications
- Power supply notes
- The generator is usually run when guests are out on activities, although guests who choose to stay behind may be aware of a background hum as the generator needs to be run in order to charge the inverters. There are plug points in the rooms for charging camera batteries.
- Communications
- Limited email facilities are available for guests in the manager's office. There is no cellphone reception around Chongwe River House.
- TV & radio
- None
- Water supply
- Other
- Water supply notes
- Water is pumped from the river and so it’s not recommended to drink water straight from the taps; filtered drinking water is provided. Showers, bathtubs and handbasins are plumbed in and each room has an en-suite flushing toilet.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- The guides at Chongwe are trained in first aid. In a medical emergency, you would generally be evacuated by air to Lusaka, or Johannesburg.
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Security measures
- It’s unusual for guests to leave the house at night, but should that occur you’d be escorted by a member of the team.
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers strategically placed through the house.
Activities
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- A full laundry service is included. This excludes ladies’ underwear due to cultural reasons, so washing powder is provided in each bathroom for this purpose. Laundry placed in the hamper before the morning activity will usually be returned the same day, but this is weather dependent.
- Money
- There is a safe in the main office at Chongwe River Lodge for storing any valuables. The lodge does not offer a currency-exchange facility.
- Accepted payment on location
- Payments in cash in US dollars and the local currency, kwacha, are preferred, but you can also use Visa, Amex and MasterCard with a 5% surcharge. Travellers' cheques are not accepted.
Plan and book your trip with Expert Africa
All of our trips are tailor-made, so we'll always adapt them to suit you. Talk to an Expert and let us plan and arrange your perfect trip.
Talk to an Expert
Call or email us now! We’ll match you with the Specialist in our team who is best suited to help you. Then together we can start planning your trip.
Set up your itinerary
Based on our experience and your ideas, your specialist will create a detailed, costed itinerary. We’ll refine it together, until we have a trip that you’re perfectly happy with.
Prepare for your trip
The same Specialist will make the seamless arrangements for your trip, send you detailed travel documents, and be available to answer any questions before you depart.
Travel with peace of mind
After you set off, you’ll be cared for by our partners in Africa, most of whom have worked with Expert Africa for decades. And if you ever need us urgently, we’re available 24/7.
When you return
We love to learn about your trip, and so will always be grateful if you’ve the time to give feedback to your Specialist when you return.
Chongwe River House's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Chongwe River House.
Other lodges in Lower Zambezi National Park
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Old Mondoro Bushcamp
For an intimate safari in the Lower Zambezi, with superb guiding, Old Mondoro is up there with the best.
Chongwe River Camp
A blend of the stylish and traditional in a most picturesque site in the Zambezi Valley, Chongwe River Camp offers an excellent safari experience and real value for money.
Chiawa Camp
One of Zambia's top safari camps, Chiawa is family owned and run, offering superb service and a flexible approach from a location well inside the Lower Zambezi National Park.
Sausage Tree Camp
Sausage Tree is a high-quality safari camp offering a luxurious stay and excellent personal service deep inside Zambia's Lower Zambezi National Park.
Potato Bush Camp
Potato Bush is located right in the heart of the Lower Zambezi National Park, with privately guided activities taking you on game drives, walks, boat trips and canoeing.
Anabezi Luxury Camp
Anabezi Luxury Tented Camp offers a high degree of understated luxury in a very lovely, quiet part of the Lower Zambezi with outstanding wildlife.
Amanzi
Opened in 2015, Amanzi is an intimate and rustic yet luxury camp in a very quiet area of the Lower Zambezi, with plenty of wildlife and good birding.
Kutali Camp
Kutali Camp offers the opportunity to experience the wilderness of Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park, in this simple tented camp located on Kulefu Island.
Chula Island Camp
Chula Island Camp offers the opportunity to experience the wilderness of Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park, in this simple fly-camp located in a natal mahogany grove on a small island on the Zambezi River.
Lolebezi
A chic safari spot, luxurious Lolelbezi is the Lower Zambezi’s newest camp and offers a mix of walking, canoeing and game drives led by excellent guides.
Royal Zambezi Lodge
This family-friendly lodge is located just on the outskirts of the Lower Zambezi National Park, in a great location overlooking the river.
When to go to Lower Zambezi National Park
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Chongwe River House in Lower Zambezi National Park
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Lower Zambezi National Park in January
At the peak of Lower Zambezi's green season, expect heavy rainfall for a few hours on many days with sunny spells in between. Temperatures remain high, reaching over 30°C/86°F with high humidity. The landscape is lush and green, but wildlife disperses, making game viewing challenging. The thick vegetation limits walking safaris. However, this is an excellent time for birdwatching as migrant species boost the park's bird count.
Many camps close during this period, but those remaining open offer their lowest rates. The Zambezi River swells, creating spectacular scenes along its banks. Boat safaris can be particularly rewarding, offering chances to spot hippos, crocodiles, and various waterbirds. Despite the challenges, the park's beauty during this wet season is undeniable, with vibrant colours and dramatic skies.
- Peak of rainy season, hot and humid
- Most camps closed, limited accessibility
- Lush green landscape, great for photography
- Dispersed wildlife, challenging game viewing
- Lowest visitor numbers, cheapest rates
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in January
Lower Zambezi National Park in February
February remains in the heart of the green season in Lower Zambezi National Park. Dramatic thunderstorms deliver a few hours of rain most days, interspersed with clear sunny skies.
The abundance of water disperses game, making wildlife viewing more challenging. However, the swollen Zambezi River allows for unique boat safaris, offering close encounters with hippos and crocodiles. Birdwatching is excellent, with many migratory species present. The lush vegetation creates a picturesque backdrop for photography.
While game drives may be less productive, canoeing trips can be particularly rewarding, allowing quiet approaches to wildlife along the riverbanks. The few camps that remain open charge their lowest rates, providing an opportunity for budget-conscious travellers to experience the park's wet season beauty.
- Continued rainy season, hot and humid
- Many camps still closed, limited options
- Green landscape, photographic opportunities
- Difficult game viewing due to thick vegetation
- Low visitor numbers, affordable rates
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in February
Lower Zambezi National Park in March
March marks the last month of the green season in the Lower Zambezi. Heavy downpours still occur most days, with water levels at their highest. Temperatures reach over 30°C/86°F, with high humidity.
While many camps remain closed, those few remaining open offer unique wet season experiences. Boat safaris are particularly exciting, with the swollen Zambezi River providing extended exploration areas. Wildlife sightings may be sporadic, but many animals are raising young, offering heartwarming scenes.
Predators like lions and wild dogs are active, taking advantage of vulnerable prey. The lush, green landscape and clear air create stunning photographic opportunities. Birdwatching remains excellent as thousands of birds prepare for their winter migration. Despite challenges, March offers a different perspective of the park's ecosystem.
- Late rainy season, occasional showers
- A few camps begin to reopen
- Landscape still green, good for photography
- Improved wildlife viewing as vegetation thins
- Few visitors; rates for camps low
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in March
Lower Zambezi National Park in April
As the rains transition to lighter, sporadic showers, April marks a period of change in Lower Zambezi National Park. The landscape remains exceptionally green and lush. While larger wildlife viewing may be sparse, this is an excellent time for birding enthusiasts.
The Zambezi River is at its highest, creating spectacular scenes along its banks. Boat safaris offer unique perspectives of the flooded landscape. As camps slowly start to reopen, visitors can enjoy lower off-season rates. The park's famous canoe safaris become increasingly viable as water levels stabilise.
Night game drives can be particularly rewarding, offering chances to spot nocturnal animals like civets and genets. April's transitional nature provides a blend of wet and dry season experiences.
- End of rainy season, drier conditions
- More camps open, better accessibility
- Landscape transitioning, good for photos
- Improved game viewing, animals more visible
- Visitor numbers rise, rates remain low
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in April
Lower Zambezi National Park in May
May typically marks the start of the dry season in the Lower Zambezi. While there's a chance of an odd shower, most days are clear and sunny. As winter approaches, daytime temperatures reach highs of around 26°C/79°F. The landscape begins to dry out, improving access throughout the park.
Most camps reopen, offering a wider range of accommodation options. Game viewing improves significantly as animals start to congregate around permanent water sources. Boat safaris on the Zambezi River become increasingly popular, offering close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species.
Walking safaris resume, providing intimate wildlife experiences. May's pleasant weather and improved game viewing make it an excellent time to visit, with some camps still offering shoulder season rates.
- Start of dry season, cooler temperatures
- Most camps open, full range of activities
- Landscape drying, clearer wildlife sightings
- Excellent time for walking safaris
- Visitor numbers increase, rates go up
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in May
Lower Zambezi National Park in June
The Lower Zambezi sees virtually no rainfall in June, with sunny days predominating. Humidity drops dramatically, and temperatures range from 10°C/50°F at night to 25°C/77°F during the day. The landscape remains relatively lush, but vegetation starts to thin, significantly improving game viewing.
All camps in the park are open, some offering shoulder-season rates. The Zambezi River's water levels begin to recede, concentrating wildlife along its banks. This is an excellent time for canoe safaris, offering unique perspectives of the park's ecosystem.
Game drives become increasingly productive, with higher chances of spotting predators like lions and leopards. June's pleasant temperatures and improved wildlife sightings make it a popular month for visitors.
- Dry season, cool days and cold nights
- All camps open, peak activity options
- Improved wildlife viewing around water sources
- Prime time for walking safaris and game drives
- High season begins, increased rates
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in June
Lower Zambezi National Park in July
As the dry season continues in Lower Zambezi National Park, vegetation thins and water becomes scarcer. Wildlife is starting to cluster around major water sources, particularly the Zambezi River, leading to excellent game viewing opportunities.
July marks the heart of winter, with daytime temperatures in the 20s Celsius / 70s Fahrenheit but dropping to single digits at night. Early morning and late evening game drives can be very chilly, with camps often providing blankets and hot water bottles.
This is prime time for walking safaris, offering exciting wildlife encounters. Canoe trips on the Zambezi River are particularly rewarding, with high chances of spotting elephants coming to drink. Visitor numbers increase, and properties charge peak season rates.
- Peak dry season, clear skies
- Excellent game viewing, especially near river
- Popular time for canoe and boat safaris
- Night drives offer nocturnal wildlife sightings
- Peak season, highest rates and visitor numbers
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in July
Lower Zambezi National Park in August
August in the Lower Zambezi offers excellent game viewing as wildlife congregates around remaining water sources. With virtually no chance of rain, sunny days are almost guaranteed. Temperatures can drop below 5°C/41°F at night but climb to the 20s Celsius / 70s Fahrenheit during the day.
The thinned vegetation provides clear views of animals, making this one of the best months for photography. Boat safaris on the Zambezi River offer close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and elephants. Tiger fishing is at its peak, attracting anglers from around the world.
Walking safaris provide thrilling up-close wildlife experiences. This is one of the most popular months to visit, with camps charging their highest rates and often fully booked well in advance.
- Very dry, animals concentrate near water
- Outstanding wildlife viewing opportunities
- Ideal for photography and walking safaris
- Zambezi River cruises highly recommended
- Peak season continues, advance booking needed
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in August
Lower Zambezi National Park in September
September is one of the best times to visit Lower Zambezi National Park for wildlife enthusiasts. Rain is almost unheard of, humidity is low, and daytime temperatures climb to the low 30s Celsius / high 80s Fahrenheit.
Water is scarce, concentrating wildlife around the Zambezi River and remaining water holes. Game viewing is at its peak, with high chances of seeing predator-prey interactions. Elephant herds are frequently spotted crossing the river.
Canoe safaris offer thrilling close encounters with wildlife. Night game drives provide opportunities to spot nocturnal animals like leopards and genets. Birdwatching remains excellent, with many species nesting. However, this popularity comes at a price: camps charge their highest rates and are often fully booked far in advance.
- Hot days, warm nights, very dry
- Excellent month for wildlife viewing
- Zambezi River at its lowest, great for canoeing
- Increased elephant sightings near water
- High season, camps can be fully booked
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in September
Lower Zambezi National Park in October
October marks the peak of the dry season in the Lower Zambezi. Away from the Zambezi, the national park is brown and barren, with little ground-level vegetation. Temperatures can be uncomfortably hot, often exceeding 40°C/104°F during the day.
Despite the heat, this is considered the best month for game viewing. The scarcity of water forces animals to congregate around the main river, leading to frequent wildlife sightings and predator-prey interactions.
Boat safaris offer relief from the heat and excellent opportunities to observe elephants, hippos, and crocodiles. Walking safaris may be challenging due to the heat but provide thrilling wildlife encounters. October is prime time for spotting large predators like lions and leopards.
- Hottest month, animals congregate at river
- Peak time for wildlife viewing and photography
- Excellent for boat safaris and fishing
- Chance to see elephants crossing the river
- End of high season, some rate reductions
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in October
Lower Zambezi National Park in November
November typically marks the end of the dry season in the Lower Zambezi. While the timing of rains is uncertain, temperatures remain high and humidity builds.
Early November may still offer excellent game viewing, with animals concentrated around water sources. As the month progresses, the arrival of rains leads to rapid vegetation growth and wildlife dispersal. This transition period can be fascinating to witness. The initial rains bring relief to the parched landscape, with new growth attracting grazing animals.
Birdwatching improves as migratory species arrive in the valley. While some remote camps close, those that remain open significantly drop their rates. November offers a unique opportunity to experience both dry and wet season aspects of the park.
- Start of rainy season, occasional showers
- Wildlife disperses as water becomes available
- Good birding as migratory species arrive
- Lush landscapes return, photography improves
- Shoulder season, lower rates and fewer visitors
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Lower Zambezi National Park in December
December marks the start of the green season in the Lower Zambezi National Park. Heavy thunderstorms occur most days, interspersed with sunny spells. Temperatures reach over 30°C/86°F with high humidity.
The rainfall brings abundant water to the landscape, encouraging lush vegetation growth. While game viewing becomes more challenging due to the thick bush and dispersed wildlife, this is an excellent time for birdwatching. Migratory birds arrive, boosting the species count. Boat safaris on the swollen Zambezi River offer unique perspectives of the flooded landscape.
Many camps close for the season, but those remaining open charge their lowest rates. Despite the challenges, December offers a green and vibrant aspect of the park, with dramatic skies and fewer visitors.
- Rainy season in full swing, hot and humid
- Some camps close, limited accessibility
- Newborn animals, great for bird watching
- Challenging game viewing, but lush scenery
- Low season, cheapest rates, fewer tourists
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in December
Looking for inspiration on where to travel next?
Visit our trip chooser to explore your options and find inspiration for your perfect African adventure
Inspire me